Ruhnu Lighthouse – Ruhnu, Estonia - Atlas Obscura
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Ruhnu Lighthouse

Ruhnu, Estonia

It's rumored this unique Baltic beacon was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. 

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Ruhnu Lighthouse. Liisa Veerus/CC BY-SA 3.0
Ruhnu Lighthouse. Liisa Veerus/CC BY-SA 3.0
Ruhnu Lighthouse. Naine/CC BY-SA 3.0
Ruhnu Lighthouse. Juks/CC BY-SA 3.0
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This tower was erected in 1877, and surprisingly, the old metal tower is still in good working order. There’s a rumor is Gustave Eiffel himself was behind its construction, but alas, there is no actual proof to confirm this.

The Ruhnu lighthouse is the last of its type left in the Baltic Sea region. The slender central tower is reinforced with four metal counterforts that give the whole building a unique look. The tower stands about 130 feet tall.

The building was ordered from Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée, a company based in Le Havre, France. Some parts of the lighthouse complex were damaged during World War I and the building was reconstructed in 1937. It has been working since then and during summer months, it’s possible to visit the lighthouse.

Know Before You Go

The island of Ruhnu is accessible by boat either from Pärnu or from Kuressaare. Due to distance and ferry schedules, you should consider spending a night on the island. Advance booking of ferry and accommodation is advised.

lighthouses architectural oddities architecture
Nearby
Houses of the Sun
24.33 miles
Kihnu Island
33.92 miles
Mazirbe Boat Cemetery
35.52 miles
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